PRESEASON '27 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS, DEFENSIVE LINE

 Another change this season will be no more pre-season rankings. I will compile lists over the month of SEPTEMBER as the games are played before I rank the players, this will enable me to keep my lists up to date though the season.

In OCTOBER I will begin my 2027 Draft rankings, these rankings will be updated weekly and provide more accurate insight into my feelings on players entering the draft. Also, this will provide an early look and my final rankings.  As in my Draft analysis, I use my own eyes and metrics to rate players.  I also break down some positions differently than most. I find this very important and the root cause of so many mistakes in the draft process. Even with all the advancements today many, many NFL executives and Draft analysts are still operating in caveman modes of years gone by and failing!!   New for this season I've added a Comments section just for some added context clarifying my opinion on players.                       

4-3 DEFENSIVE END

CLASS GRADE  

Rk     Player                           Sch      Ht      Wt      Comments        

1.Dylan Stewart               SCar    6-5     245    Constantly doubled on weak DL, Top 10 talent.

2.Colin Simmons               Tx       6-3     250    Needs to quit reading press clippings and get to work, tremendous raw talent.

3. Kenyatta Jackson       OSU    6-5     265    Showed improvement late last season, that trend must continue, great tools!

4.Damon Wilson             Mia(F)  6-4     250    3rd school is an issue, show great potential, needs coaching, very talented.

5.Prince Umanmeilen   LSU     6-4     244     Could really excel in this scheme.

6.Yhonzae Pierre              Ala      6-3     253     Improved every season, ready for breakout.

7.Armondo Blount      Mia(F)   6-4     265     Ready for full-time roll.

8.Boubacar Traore       NDme   6-5    253     A big season will move him up.

9.Will Heldt                      Clem     6-6    260     Has Day two ability

10.J Henry Dailey        Mich      6-4     250     Transfer should get noticed.

Others to watch:

Taylor Wein Okl, Bryce Young NDme, Trey White Tx Tch, Isaac Terrell IoSt, Clev Lubin Louis, Jordan Ross LSU, Clayton Smith AzSt, Adam Trick Tx Tch, Kameryn Crawford USC, Da'Shawn Womack Aub, j'Mond Tapp Mem, Anto Saka TxA&M, Marquise Lightfoot Mia(F)

 3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS 

CLASS GRADE

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht      Wt      Comments        

1.Matayo Uiagalelie       Ore      6-5     275    Can play all over the DL, suits any defense. Top 10 talent.

2.Quincy Rhodes             Ark       6-5     277     Under the radar on poor team.

3.Kam Franklin              Miss       6-5     295     Took a big step-up last season, look for another.

4.Anthony Smith            Minn    6-6     285      Versatile, can play inside or outside,

5.Williams Nwaneri      Neb      6-7      265      Showed flasher of great potential last season.

6.Dominick McKinnley LSU     6-6     297      Another with multiple position ability.

7.Kamran James            Fla       6-6      280      Nice all-around game.

8.Keon Keeley                NDme  6-5     275       Still trying to live up to recruiting hype, maybe this season.

9.Chiddi Obiazor            Ind       6-5    280        Strong, well coached, tough.

10.Jide Abasiri               USC      6-5    295       Another inside/outside guy.

Others to watch:

Michael Kilbane NWst, Hero Kanu Tx, LJ McCray Fla, Emmanuel Oyebadejo Fla, Tomiwa Durojaiye SCar, Keona Davis Mia(F),

Phillip Bradford TxSt, Daevin Hobbs Tenn, Edric Hill Ala, DJ Hicks Tx A&M, Kemari Copeland VaTch, Malik Blocton LSU, Stephiylan Green LSU.

4-3 DEFENSIVE TACKLE

CLASS GRADE   

Rk     Player                          Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.A'Mauri Washington    Ore     6-3    330    Could be a RARE Top 10 talent at DT, needs improvement on pass rush.

2. Justin Scott                  Mia(F)  6-4    303    Powerful inside game, could move to NT

3.Eddrick Houston         OSU      6-3    292    Quick, explosive, needs work on pass rush.

4.Tavion Gadsen               Ky        6-4    303     The reason you watch poor teams.

5.Amad Moten               Mia(F)    6-3    300      Could move to NT

6.Bear Alezander          Ore         6-3    302      A 3rd team in 3 years guy, played well at all.

7.Tyrigue Tucker           Ind         6-0    307      Quick enough to play here, could easily be a dominant NT.

8.Francis Brewu          NDme     6-1    285      Transfer showed major potential last season.

9.Will Smith                    OSU        6-3    292      Hard worker, moved up from 3 Star recruit.

10.David Stone             Okl          6-3    315       Another penetrator, very quick, great hands, can play anywhere on DL.

Others to watch:    

NOSE TACKLES

CLASS GRADE  

Rk     Player                         Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Will Echoles                  Miss      6-3    315     RARE penetration for NT, could be an elusive Day One NT

2.Jayden Jackson          Okl

3.

Others to watch: